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Carlyle ‘won’t criticize the players,’ even though he’s tempted to ‘go after some people’

Toronto Maple Leafs v Arizona Coyotes

Toronto Maple Leafs v Arizona Coyotes

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Randy Carlyle didn’t name names in his first interview since being fired as coach of the Maple Leafs, but he did have some interesting things to say in a chat with the Toronto Star.

On whether the Leafs are coachable: “Some of them can do it and some of them are just not capable of grasping it. Some have a difficult time dealing with the pressure that comes at the critical times. If there’s one thing you cannot do with this group, it seems you cannot apply more pressure to them. You’ve got to try to pick them up. It’s always about making them feel good.”

On why that may be: “The modern-day athletes has come from a different background of coaching — the elite programs, Triple-A, the Under-18s — it’s always about Johnny gets a trophy.”

On the temptation to name names: “I’ve got a lot of fire burning in me to go after some people. But I won’t criticize the players. I’ll never do that. The things that happened in the dressing room are between the team and me. I don’t think it should be exposed.”

There’s more in there, so give it a read.

The Leafs announced earlier today that Peter Horachek has been named the club’s interim head coach.

Related: Former Leafs coach Wilson takes aim at Kessel — ‘You can’t rely on Phil’